Two days after the infestation extermination
Lucius began increasingly worried, especially with the events that kept on coming his way. The Xenomorphs infestation on the previously known as Mt. Duba and now as Duba Crater really gets him on the edge of his seat. The Ravernals have many secrets stashed in this backwater planet, and he doesn't know why. Then there are reports of a defunct underground Ravernal Lunar Outpost on the moon of Falmarra, as well as pylon of sorts structures discovered on the nearby planets within the system. Those pylons are Ravernal in design, but unknown of their functions, even the scientists from the AAATA have no idea what they are. Now to the most pressing matters, the Grand Library of Rondel. Dr. Isabella and her team have made a discovery of how to access the hidden chamber.
Lucius is now within the magic city of Rondel, he had to admit, it was an interesting sight to see several modern applications in the form of magic itself. The city itself reminds him of Venice, it's rich with beautiful history, and a powerhouse of itself as Rondel has autonomy separate from the Saderan Empire. Now, they serve the Imperium. As the APC stopped at the Grand Library, it was guarded to the teeth by a regiment of his Cerberus. While people are still able to access the Library, they were prohibited to interact with the main monoliths.
Lucius hopped down from the APC and was greeted by the Magic Council of Rondel. The greatest magi minds of Rondel, all bowed to him in respect.
"Young Master Lucius, we are honored to have you with us. I am sure you are here to see the research team?" One of the councilmen asked.
"Please, raise your heads, all of you. And indeed, I am here to see the research team and Dr. Isabella." Lucius said.
"Well, follow us, Young Master. We'll take you to them."
As Lucius walked with the Council, all of them enthusiastically tell stories of the rich history of Rondel, which while to others seemed boring, for Lucius was rather interesting. As minutes pass, they finally reached the main monoliths. The monoliths are guarded by the regiment, always on guard as he had ordered them to be.
"Young Master!"
Lucius looked at the voice calling him and saw Dr. Isabella waving her hands, beckoning him to come closer. Just as he was halfway, an explosion was heard from the outside. Instinctively, Lucius pulled out his sidearm.
"No need for that, Young Master. That came from the Magic Academy, one of our students must've had their experiment failed." One of the Councilmen explained.
Lucius was reluctant at first, but seeing the guarding Cerberus isn't even reacting to an explosion of the vicinity means it happens often. So he puts his sidearm aside, and continues to approach the head researcher.
"Dr. Isabella, may we proceed? I want to get this done, I have a lot of work I need to get done back in Helnus." Lucius said.
"Of course, Young Master." Dr. Isabella said as she turned towards the nearest scientist under her. "Initiate chamber unlock sequence."
The research teams began to meddle with the monoliths, tinkering and hacking through the monoliths' system. Then the entire library began to rumble, as blue magic runes began to cover the entirety of the structure. The monoliths began to glow in a gentle blue hue, and some parts of the flooring two meters away the monoliths began to crack. The research teams move out of possible danger, not wanting to file a casualty report.
The air is covered with dust and debris, and many of them can't breathe with how much dust is currently piling. Once the dust clears out, they saw what was going on. The flooring was turned into a circular staircase, heading downwards towards the subterranean level. The mages around them looked in awe, while the council was shouting all around of the 'miracle' before them.
"I need four Cerberus with me, and Dr. Isabella. The Council of Rondel may tag along, the rest of you need to stay here."
Lucius pulled his sidearm again, as they marched down the staircase, taking them to whatever it is down there. Dr. Isabella stayed close to the Cerberus soldier next to her, she had always been afraid of the dark, so much that she didn't realize she was hugging her Datapad so tight.
Halfway, the staircase was illuminated in a gentle blue hue. While this helps them to see better, it wasn't helping with the tension. They kept going down, and it has been half an hour they have been walking, which means that subterranean level was really deep. As the Cerberus ahead of Lucius reached the end of the staircase, they were greeted with a sizeable cavern, enough for a lab, which probably is. Right at the center, is a spherical object connected to the four monoliths above, this must be the supercomputer.
As they were about to approach the center, the sphere began to scan the entirety of the room. After scanning, the sphere went from blue to green.
"Advance technology detected. The cycle is at optimal level. Activating..."
The supercomputer seemed to react to their technology, it stunned the Councillors of such amazing structures beneath their Great Library. However, Lucius and the rest were more focused to the AI. The AI speaks to them in Raverii, the tongue of the Ravernals.
As the entire chamber glows, the supercomputer projects a hologram before them. Before them, emerged the projection of a Ravernal. But, she was different. One, she seemed to wear a uniform similar to the Ravernal Science and Technology Division, but a different color with blue instead of red.
"Welcome to Avarri Tech Vault number #99 of Arjarikha." The female Ravernal greeted them. "I am Veleira, head scientists of Tech Vault number #99. As a proud member of the Serene Kingdom of Avarria, I welcome you all."
Her entire demeanor was... Strange. Ravernals don't naturally be this hospitable. And what's more, the entire place was referred as a Tech Vault and she refer herself as an Avarrian.
"You're... A Ravernal. Why did you refer yourself as this 'Avarria'?" Lucius asked her.
Her face seemed to twitch, and suddenly her eyes scans the Young Master and his group, and their entire tech. Her eyes flickered rapidly, and stops abruptly.
"Lucius 'the Vicious' Aurelius, son of Augustus Aurelius III, the current Young Master of the Galactic Imperium. It is a surprise to see you here."
The "Vicious"? Was that how the Ravernals referred him as? Lucius have to admit, his actions during the War in Heaven did warranted such a nickname.
"You still haven't answered my question, Ravernal. What is an Avarrian? What is this place?" He asked her.
"To know, you must listen to the history behind it. I will keep this short for you, for I know you would not waste time with a race you so hate with all your heart."
Then before them, the AI did to them what Lucius did to the Japanese Diet. A projection of history.
"Once, our people aren't always committing war crimes. Once, we are a peaceful race. Bound by our will to advance, and the will to be better." She said. "The savages you call as Ravernals didn't exist, at the time we are called Avarrian of Avarria."
She showed them images of eons past, long before evolution of humanity. Long before the Imperium. How these "Avarrians" interact with others, it seems odd to many to see how well behaved they are.
"We made friends along as we thrive. As we thrive, we wished the same to our friends and allies. Thus the Union of Interstellar Co-Prosperity was formed, spearheaded by us." She said. "The Arkadians, the Voors, the Dakhari, the Uwazis, and the race of your Sphere, the Elysians. We were a close-knit allies, almost like family. Until it came crashing down, with the Avarrian Civil War."
Then the images showed a bloody civil war, Avarrian against Avarrian. It rages through their space.
"Our people have grown proud, too proud for our own sake. Radical views brought in by the Avarrian Prince named Azexar began to cause split in the society, as many of us believed in him. It came too far, when the prince staged a coup and dethrone his own father, and murdered every single family members that was a threat to his position." She continues to explain. "The last living royal, Prince Eravix, lead the opposition against his brother. It was a gruesome civil war, and we lost. Prince Eravix is not as capable as his brother when it comes to war, as Prince Azexar was a military genius. Prince Azexar declared himself as Emperor of the newly reorganized Ravernal Star Empire. We, Avarrians in exile scour the stars to find a place, and we warned the rest of the Union to be wary of the new regime. When Emperor Azexar rose to power, he used his influence and charisma to indoctrinate the rest of his ideals and views. That the Ravernals are masters of the Universe, that they are superior than their neighbors, and it is their right to enslave and used the people of the Galaxy as they see fit."
"Thus, the War of Damnation was waged. A costly war. The Union had won, but at the cost of instability. We had hope that the people will come to their senses, but Azexar's influence have forged deep within the core of the youth, the core of many who submitted to his rule. Comparing to others, we are a resilient race. So us exiles decided to sabotage Azexar's Ravernal, and took many of our advance technologies and research with us, and share some with others to aid their struggle against Azexar." She said. "It's one of the many reasons that Azexar's Ravernal lost the war. We decided to hide the technologies that would have been detrimental for the galaxy if Azexar's has it, we hide it on the many Tech Vaults we have scattered across the galaxy. To make sure this place remain functional and hidden, many of us decided to upload our conscious to the Archive, a collective conscious that links all head scientists of the Tech Vaults. Thus is how I am able to greet you."
"You said your fellow 'Avarrians' have hid detrimental technologies from the Ravernals reach. But I take it they have tried, and succeeded in some. How many Tech Vaults are there? How much did the Ravernals have gotten their hands on?"
"There are exactly 99 Tech Vaults, and 98 that has been breached. Tech Vault #99 remained the only Tech Vault that was kept out from the Ravernals reach, and the only one that mattered most, as other Tech Vaults only contains few technologies and some even partial and needed other parts located on other Tech Vaults." She explained. "Tech Vault #99 contains all technologies known to the galaxy. From theoretical, applied, and experimental. Each would be disastrous should the Ravernals breached the vault. However, I am willing to share all the knowledge I have with the Galactic Imperium. As well as my service, should you need a hand in innovation."
This behavior caught them off guard, even though they have seen her demeanor to be odd for a race they have always seen as brutes.
"I know you don't want to have your technologies fall to the wrong hands, but why us? What makes you trust us enough that you are willing to give all of it to us?" Lucius asked her.
She gave them all a smile, a confident smile.
"We aren't blind to the progress happening on the Galaxy. We were always able to hack into the galaxy's Interstellar networks, and kept ourselves up to date. Especially with the last war. Your War in Heaven." She told them. "I am impressed with the tenacity, fierce, loyalty, and compassion shown by the Galactic Imperium and her allies. How such a young interstellar nation could become a powerhouse, a beacon of greatness and good for all is beyond my understanding. You remind me of us Avarrians, but even greater. How you and your allies spearheaded the war against the Ravernals, how the Imperium is compassionate to others weaker than them, how you fight for the liberty of every sentient beings. It's shown enough that you are worthy of everything."
Many would have been honored, but not to Lucius. He had suffered so much because of them, he didn't care if they are Ravernal or Avarrian. They took his mother away from him, took his family's happiness. They took so many lives that Lucius cared, his brothers and sisters in arms, whom they have killed in the War. He cannot forgive everything that her kind had did, what her people did to the galaxy and himself is unforgivable.
But instead, he took a deep breath, and let out a long sigh. While the Ravernals are evil incarnate, by all means he have to be just. She's the same race, but not the same people. The sins of the Ravernals cannot be blamed unto her.
"... Fine. But we will conduct further clarification from the Sphere and the Custodes to see everything that you said checks out." Lucius relented.
"Thank you for your chance, Young Master."
••••••
Piña sat patiently on her desk. Her minds are now deep in thought, trying to think of something that has been bothering her. Something that her elder brother, Diabo has said to her. Zorzal. He's aiming to dethrone the Emperor, her own father. This just complicates things. She wants to put him out of the political picture, but it seemed that the stunt she orchestrated in the Imperial Palace seemed to brought a different effect than she had originally thought.
It appears the nobles that weren't under her influence were too "overzealous", which makes her effort to bring as much nobles to her fold as she can even harder. While she doesn't mind for Zorzal to go for a coup and dethrone her father, she does mind that warmongering nobles are too stubborn and too stupid to see the bigger picture, and could potentially delay her efforts in taking over the entirety of the continent. She was especially surprised when Marcus personally endorse Zorzal's crowning as emperor behind her father's back, truly that man is nothing but a two-faced snake.
But, there's always a silver lining to things. Now, her work is now simplified with nobles joining Zorzal's side leaving only a handful few to persuade. Like the Tyueris and the Cassels among others. Once she persuade them, she will have half of the voice in the Senate. But then, it would not be enough to oust Zorzal. The only way to go, is to make Zorzal commit a coup. His tyrannical move would make some of the nobility waver and rethink their allegiance, and she would have a solid reason to rebel against him.
When the time comes, she will either oust Zorzal from the capital or capture him, and declare herself as the new empress. In which she will use said title to surrender unconditionally and purge the nobility who stands against her decision. Tyrannical, yes, but nobles aren't exactly what the Imperium needs, mother Imperium needs capable men and women and not those who was born with status.
Now, to the last variable. Tyuule. It wasn't a surprise that she was the one making moves on behalf of Zorzal, but she was rather impressed with how she's doing. Until the orders to assassinate Noriko came along, and the assassination was foiled with one JSDF injured. Tyuule now is interfering with her efforts, and she doesn't take it lightly. She would need to either get her into the fold, or get rid of her. She can give it a shot, after all the Voglian queen could be useful with her skills.
A gentle knock was heard from her door, and Piña hoped that it was the one she is expecting.
"What is it?" She asked in English.
"Madam Governor, we have the bunny."
"Bring her in."
The door opens abruptly, as two Cerberus under her began to drag a tied Voglia, and had her head covered with a bag. She resisted with all her might, yet prove to be useless against the grip of the Cerberus soldiers. The Cerberus soldiers dropped her to the ground, right before her desk as her back was stepped on and pinned to the floor, keeping her from moving too much.
Piña signals one of them to remove the bag. When the bag was removed, Pinã could see the fierce look in her eyes, the eyes of defiance. But when the voglian saw who was before her, her face shifted to fear and anxiety. But Piña knew all too well it's merely a facade.
"Queen Tyuule, welcome to my humble abode."
The voglian was none other than Tyuule. She was gagged and tied so that she wasn't able to resist or try to run away. Piña again signal her men, as one of them remove the gag that was suffocating the Voglian. Tyuule gagged and coughed the moment her gag was released.
"P-princess Piña... W-what's the meaning of this?!" Tyuule asked her, with fear and anxious tone, which for an amateur would sound genuine.
"Oh, drop the charade. I know you're not some obedient slave. You maybe able to fool my brother and those who serve him, but not me." Piña tells her. "So, I suggest you drop the facade before you annoy me."
Hearing what Piña said, the Voglian queen's face began to shift. Her expression is stern, but genuine anxiety was shown. It's understandable, she is under a precarious position after all.
"I have to admit, I admire your fighting spirit. Your thirst for vengeance. And most importantly, your cunning meticulous schemes to destroy the Empire." Piña said. "Unfortunately, one of your recent actions didn't coincide with what I am aiming towards. Assassination order on Noriko, now that's just rude. Do you have any idea just how much effort I put to make sure that the entire thing went as planned? The whole shooting, my brother getting beat, the whole charade of the diplomats to be enraged? Had your assassination succeeded, it would seriously put my plans back!"
Tyuule sat on the floor, shocked and dumbfounded by the sudden revelation.
"S-so you-"
"Yes, I am. I'm the mastermind to the situation we are in." Piña said to the Voglian queen, the looks on her face was flat, devoid of emotions. The "princess" stood up from her seat, and walked towards to the front of her desk where she leans for a much better look. "If it were up to the others, they wanted to just get rid of you. However, I for one believe that you will become an important asset. But before that, I take it you've heard about mysterious movements made by the Doves. So tell me, what have you known thus far?"
Knowing full well that she's in no position to resist, the Voglian queen swallowed the hanging saliva that has been gathering up due to the anxious situation.
"I-I only know that the Doves are planning on a peace treaty with the forces of Alnus and H-Helnus." She said, stuttering out of fear, even though she tried her best not to. "I-I can't let that happen, s-so I ordered my contacts to k-kill Noriko. E-even though she's a kind woman."
"And my role with the doves?" Piña asked.
"I-I only heard that you're the one that supposed to broker a peace. T-that is all, I swear it!"
The princess gave her a small chuckle, amused by the information given by Tyuule.
"It's partially correct. I am to broker something, but that's certainly not peace." Piña said. "No, I broker something much more fortuitous for the people. For everyone in Falmart."
The Voglian queen was surprised and confused, especially with how ambiguous the princess was.
"Now, I'm sure you want to know about what I meant. But before that, I want to ask you a question." Piña said. "How much do you hate the Saderan Empire? Answer me truthfully."
It was a truly shocking question coming from her. Tyuule couldn't believe her ears when she heard it. And she was superbly hesitant to answer such suspicious question, however there's something that felt odd to her. Pinã is a smart princess, and she would surely know that people around won't just go on to declare their hatred towards the Empire, yet her tone wasn't fully judgmental, it was also with curiosity, not with the tone that she was rooting out possible traitors.
"I... I hate it with all my heart!" Tyuule confesses. "For my suffering... For others sufferings... My people... The Empire is a disease! Zorzal is a disease!"
Tyuule let out an agonizing shout as she confesses. She has been through a lot. Her people's subjugation to the Saderan rule, her humiliation by Zorzal, and the debauchery and atrocities that he committed to her people and herself.
Instead what she expects, which was her being killed off, she heard a slow clap. She looked at Piña, who was clapping albeit slowly.
"Thus you commit dissent and chaos within the Saderan Court. You sabotage the Empire at every corner, at every step of its way to recover from their deadly mistake." Piña said. "I have to admit, I sympathize with you. It must be hard for you. I just can't imagine what it is like for you, the suffering that you felt. Despite all that, you stood back up with a renewed vigor. Vigor of vengeance. I admire that about you."
Tyuule was indeed shocked to hear Piña's response. Many people of Sadera wouldn't give a shit about her, about demihuman slaves like her. Yet she delivers her condolences, her admiration towards what Tyuule was doing. It was odd, and Tyuule couldn't believe that such words came from a Saderan, the princess at that.
"Now that you have told me your motives, it's fair if I told you mine." Piña said.
Pinã then picked up a flat but circular device, and toss it gently on the floor, just right in between of her and the Voglian Queen. Then the device came alive, which startled the Voglian as she throws herself back. Then it shows an image, one that Tyuule has never seen in her life, one so beautiful and mesmerizing.
"This, Queen Tyuule. This is a Galaxy, the massive realm above our skies. A cluster of star systems, that orbits around the black hole in the center. Within a star system, are worlds. Other worlds, like ours." Piña said. She then pointed at a certain star, and it zooms in to the system which she points out the contents . There, Tyuule found the sun, and several spherical objects circling around the sun. "This, this little star is our sun. This, is our world. We are nothing but dust in the vastness of space. There's always someone above others, and the Japanese government proves that they're above us in every way. However, there is one who exceeds the Japanese and the superior nations that lies beyond Alnus."
The hologram then switched it's projection, as they are now being shown something wondrous. Something, that Tyuule can perceives at the realm of the gods.
"This, is Terra. Cradle of the Galactic Imperium, the forces beyond Helnus. I have been through the metropolis that is Tokyo beyond Alnus, and I can say this with certainty. Nothing beyond Alnus is as grand as those beyond Helnus." Piña said to her. "And they, rule not just their entire world, but others. Ruling in total supreme, with power beyond imagination. With untold billions stand ready to die for their great Imperium, with the power to either destroy or create worlds at their whim. Under their rule, others besides humans lived peaceful and prosper, coexist as one. They possess the power only gods could achieve, and yet they remain mortal, such is their feat."
It then showed to them both the massive cluster of starships, soldiers who stand at ready in formation, countless of them Tyuule lost count. Then when they destroy a planet, and terraform one. A scene of solidarity, between humans and non-humans, treating others as equals.
Tyuule was lost for words. Such power within a nation. Such unity amongst humans and non-humans, standing side-by-side as one, it's unthinkable for Tyuule. Truly, what was shown to her, was a glimpse of heaven.
"This nation, the Galactic Imperium, is one of the strongest nation if not the strongest in the entire Galaxy as a whole. They are a benevolent people, promoting peace over war despite their military supremacy. And they have come to us to set things right. They have offered me a chance to save my people." She said to her. "I accepted. I have swore my allegiance to the Imperium, and they accept me as a Governor of this planet and the new Falmarra Sector. And my duty as of now, is to surrender the Empire and the entirety of Falmart, which entity has become the plague of not just the people, but for all. Now you know my true motives, and what I intend to do."
Now it makes sense to her. For months, she have been receiving mysterious activity reports in the capital alone, many of them around the princess's palace. That, and so many unexplainable incidents happening. Sabotages of both military and civilian facilities, and assassinations of people with significant importance with almost all have no witness or leads to who was the culprit. Now, it makes sense. The princess was behind it all, and to her surprise is that she too aims for the destruction of the Empire.
"Why are you telling me this?" The Voglian asked her.
"Because we can use you. Your skills, your current situation, and your loyalty. The dawn of prosperity has come for us, Queen Tyuule." Piña said. "Even without your help, it is coming. The Empire of Sadera shall fall, the Imperium shall restore order and peace in our lives. I'm simply offering you a higher place in the new era. With my authority as the Governor of this planet, I can offer you anything you wish. So, what say you?"
It's obvious enough for her that soon, everyone will have to pick a side. And it was obvious enough which side to choose. Still, skepticism remains linger in her mind. She was mostly concerned about her people. She was betrayed once, she's afraid she'd be betrayed again.
"Can I have your word... That my people will be free? Can I hear from your very lips... Your promise of my people?"
Piña smiled, confident as she appeared to Tyuule.
"I can assure you. Voglians shall be free of slavery under the rule of the Imperium." Piña tells the Voglian Queen. "Voglians, and other races of Falmart shall prosper as other citizens of the Imperium prospers. This I swear it. And this, the Imperium swears it."
"Very well... With that, I shall serve you, my lady."
Tyuule lowers her head, as it kisses the floor in which both of Piña's foot was nearby. She was ready to kiss both feet, until she felt her restrains was loose suddenly. She looked up, and saw Piña's hand reaching out to her.
"Rise, Queen of the Voglians. It's not I that you must kiss their feet. We are equal in the face of others. The only one that you must pay your ultimate respect and servitude, is the Imperator and the Young Master of the Imperium." Piña said. "I am a Governor. I am your superior, yet respect you are about to give me doesn't warrant my position. That level of respect that you about to give me, only our true masters deserves it. As I gave my ultimate respect and loyalty, as you would soon."
It was rather odd, to see someone such as the princess Piña to be so dutiful and loyal to the masters of the Imperium. Now, her interest peaks as she was now curious about the personalities of her new masters. What warrants such respect and loyalty, it must've been something beyond her reasoning to make someone headstrong like Piña to completely have her loyalty.
Tyuule took her arms, as she pulled her up to stand. Now, she stands tall before Piña.
"When can I meet them? The true masters of the Imperium?" She asks.
"Soon. When this whole mess is cleared, you shall meet the Young Master. As for the Imperator, that would take you some time. He is rather busy handling the mess that is the Galactic War between the Sildorans and the Resufitors." Piña said as she sighed. "Why they can't just get along with each other? The audacity to commit another war after the already devastating War in Heaven is beyond me. It's killing the people outside of the Imperium for no reason at all."
Tyuule caught on to Piña's rambling. Rambling about what has transpired in the realm above. A war in the stars, as is the tendency of sentient creatures, they go to war. At least, she heard no mention of the Imperium was the one who started it, that's a good start for Tyuule to hear.
"Now, enough of my ramblings. Now that you are now serving the Imperium, I want to give you a task." Piña said. "Something only you can handle, something only you can do."
"I am ready. Order me as you wish."
Piña pull out a vial from her drawer, and placed in on the top of her desk. The vial looked purple in color, looked very unnatural in color.
"This is a poison. I want you to give it to my brother, and persuade him to poison my father on the day of the banquet that is coming up in a few days." She said with a stoic and flat face. "This poison will not kill him, but it will surely put him out of commission. Poison my father at the height of banquet, in front for all to see."
This task of Tyuule's shocks the Voglian Queen. Poison her own father? Through her own decrepit brother? Piña is showing quite the ruthlessness in her plans, something that many who knows her would not even think she would do such a thing.
"Can you enlighten me what do you gain from this? Poisoning your own father that is." Tyuule asked her.
Piña reclines to her seat, seemingly enjoying the seat that she imported from Terra. Her easy gestures unnerved the Voglian Queen, especially seeing the drastic change in Piña.
"With my father out of commission, the task of governing the Empire will fall to my brother. He is the heir, of course. I want him to usurp control of the Empire, I want him to commit a coup. At the coup, you will help me in sorting out the nobility. Who is supportive of my brother, and who is supportive of peace through consolidation of power. You will consolidate power for my brother, gather the nobles until there is none left. And of course, through the harshest ways possible. An unforgiving purge if you must." Pinã said. "Then, I want you to whisper in my brothers ears to attack the Jade Palace, which is the place where the Imperium Diplomatic Corps will be stationed. Then the casus belli is complete. At that moment, I shall order the Militarum stationed here to invade not only the capital, but the rest of the Imperial Territories. I will declare myself as Empress, and submit all authority to the representative of the Imperium, which they will present me as the new Governor of the planet. During such time, I will oust the nobles who support my brother. And when I am 'declared' as the new Governor, I will strip all special powers of the nobility, effectively putting all power in myself and those who I deem worthy. And that, my friend, is when the new era comes. All Falmart, not just Sadera will prosper under the rule of the Imperium."
A meticulous, ruthless planning. The power grabs, the plots to further demonizing Zorzal, and the swift take over of Sadera by the Imperium. It's something that Tyuule couldn't believe, it's more that she couldn't believe that this comes from the princess who everyone thinks she is but a naïve princess. She was not.
"Now, do you understand of my plans?" Piña asked her.
"Yes, my lady. I understand. I shall do what you ordered me to."
"Good. Then you are to return to your 'Master'. Once this is over, you will be slave no longer."
Tyuule bowed before Piña, as she was then escorted back outside by the Cerberus soldiers under Piña's command.
••••••
Imperium-controlled Ratalka Sector.
Above the gas planet of Ri'Kasi, the flagship of the 2nd Classis of the Imperial Navy anchors herself near one of Ri'Kasi's three moons. Actually, they're blockading the planet from ever sending out starships, and blockading the entire sector by shutting down this particular system. This system connects the entire sector, as well as the junction system that serves to connect entry points from neighboring systems.
Ratalka Sector serves as one of the major sectors for the Galactic Sildor Coalition, as the sector is filled with bountiful raw ores for starship making and forgeworlds that create weapons for the Sildoran Military. It also happens that the sector itself is only 3 sectors away from the nearest Resufitor front line, which means that the Sildorans could effectively supply their military in the front line. That is what should have been, until the 2nd came and blockade the entire system from transportation.
Ratalka is one, from the many crucial sectors that the Imperium is seizing from function to sabotage the war efforts of both sides. By seizing, blockading access of all kinds by other than authorized Imperium Starships, the Militarum hoped that these seizures can dissuade the populace from war with how insufferable they are with their own supplies. However, both sides are crafty and somehow manages to get what resources and supplies they need to keep the war going.
They either buy it from neutral stellar nations, the black market, or smuggle their own supplies from seizured sectors through crafty smugglers. While the quantity and the quality they bought is far cry to what they can make had their important sectors aren't put to seizure, their efforts kept their war going albeit slow than many expected. Which infuriated the Imperial Senate, the Militarum, and the Imperator especially.
"Another day of boring blockade."
The woman said as she sat down on her seat. With a cup of Joe in her hand, she began to sip it slowly as she observed the lush moon of Sevazia.
"Admiral Cassandra. Latest reports from the 46th Flotilla." The captain of the ship reports to her as he gives her the Datapad.
The woman was none other than Lucius's little sister. Admiral Cassandra Aurelius. 285 years of age. The youngest to have reached admiralty. Served during the War in Heaven, Captain in the Battle of Terminal Egress. Achieved Admiralty when she coordinated an assault maneuver towards Ravernal defenses, breaking a hole in the Ravernal defense. The action proved to be crucial, as the hole served as the entryway for the Apex Unit to destroy the Partial Aetherophasic Engine.
Now, she commands over the prestigious 2nd Classis, aboard the flagship that she had served ever since her days of being a Captain. The Jaldabaoth-class Super Dreadnought Titan, The Nemesis.
Super Dreadnought Titans are an upgraded version of the Titans. It's slightly larger, stronger, more powerful and slightly more able to maneuver better than its old counterparts. It offers more weapons, able to defend itself from missiles and strike crafts with added Point Defense systems while old Titans relied on an escort of other ships, and has its own hangars to house squadrons of fighter strike crafts.
250 Neutron Launchers, 350 Kinetic Artillery, 160 Point Defense Turrets, and two massive hangars filled with 36 squadrons divided on each hangars. On its bow, mounted not only just the Tachyon-Perdition beam but also a Giga Cannon above it. Shielded with Neutronium Shielding, as well as armored with Neutronium Reactive Armor. 25 KM in length, 9 KM in width, and 3 KM in height. There are only so many Super Dreadnought variants in the entirety of the Imperium Navy, as they are considered to be one ship fleet. And the Nemesis, is under the direct control of the greatest naval prodigy in the history of the Militarum.
Reading the reports from the 46th Flotilla, which by her recalls they are finishing their patrols in the sector. Expecting to see everything is as any other patrol reports, she was in fact surprise to see engagement reports that occurred on one of the star systems on their way back to the fleet.
The Sildorans are getting brazen... And desperate...
"We'll assign more flotillas we can spare to perform patrol missions across the sector. We must make it clear to the Sildorans, that any attempts to relieve the sector will be met with fierce resistance." Cassandra said as she returns the report to her captain. "Is there anything else for me to know, Captain I'Hazil?"
"There is, Madam Admiral. News of your brother has reached Terra. It appears that his forces has discovered an old research facility on the planet he is currently taking matters." the Captain responded. "Ravernal origins, although it was soon cleared that we have discovered further information about our ancient nemesis. It appears that our ancient nemesis appeared to be much more advanced than we thought, and much more friendly before they are what we know of. A living construct of their scientists was discovered, and has entered service to our cause."
This was odd news for her. Her brother, the Young Master of the Imperium, the man who hated the Ravernals with all his heart, accepted one to his service? Something doesn't add up. Although the discovery of old information could be what makes her brother to accept, there has to be something on that information that is enough for her brother to put aside his hate.
"This information, has it already been confirmed it's authenticity?" She asks.
"It's in progress as we speak, Madam Admiral. It's being confirmed by the Inquisitionis through cooperation of our allies and our Honored Sphere." The Captain answered.
"Is there anything else I should know?"
Just as her captain was about to open his mouth, one of the sensor officer intervened.
"Captain! The sensors the detected incoming gravimetric anomalies on the edge of the sector! They're about to enter the Bizek entry system."
"Can you determine how many ships coming out from Hyperspace?" the Captain asked.
"Around 161 ships, all various in size judging from the gravimetric anomalies." The Sensor Officer replied.
"Coming to Bizek system, the fleet has to be coming from Sildoran proper." Cassandra surmised. "ETA on their arrival?"
"Less than 5 minutes."
"I see. Have the rest of the Classis to remain in this system. The Kaon, The Chimera, The Resolute and The Nemesis will be the ones to intercept the coming fleet." Cassandra gave out her orders. "Let's see if the Sildorans are desperate enough to commit an open combat with the Imperium."
While the turn of events surprised Cassandra, she was rather excited to be in action again. Both Sildorans and Resufitors have been in skirmish with the Militarum, although not large scale. This, however, is a deliberate invitation to open combat. Which means, The Sildorans are getting desperate, to a point that they are willing to commit an open combat with the Imperium.
The Kaon, The Chimera, The Resolute and the Nemesis was dispatched to intercept the coming fleet. Four ships. Anyone outside of the Imperium would think Cassandra as insane, of course no one in their right minds decided to intercept a fleet of 161 ships with only four. However, Cassandra specifically pick the Kaon, the Chimera, the Resolute and the Nemesis to intercept.
The Kaon and The Resolute are an Iowa-class Heavy Brawler Battleship. Armed with 90 Gauss Cannon, 60 Disruptors, and 60 Gamma Lasers. While the Chimera is an Ticonderoga-class Artillery Battleship. Armed with one spinal Tachyon Beam at the bow, 30 Neutron Launchers, 30 Gauss Cannon, and 60 Gamma Lasers.
The Nemesis, the Kaon, the Resolute and the Chimera shifted from formation to the right. All in perfect unison with one another.
"Calculating course towards Bizek System."
"Course plotted. Activating WarpDrive."
Then before the four ships, a massive wormhole generated before them. And in a minute, the ships began to glow blue. And in an instant, the four ships jumped into WarpSpace, arriving at Bizek system in just 2 seconds.
The four ships jumped out of WarpSpace beside a barren world, devoid of all life.
"If I recall correctly, I'naxis is the only habitable planet on the system, yes?" Cassandra asked.
"Indeed madam. It's an continental urban world under the Sildorans. Scan indicates no defensive planetary structures that could engage with a fleet within their orbit." The first officer answered.
"Then we'll head there. We position ourselves on the planet's orbit, and wait for the Sildorans there." Cassandra gave her orders. "Commander, notify the crews of the Kaon, Resolute and Chimera to General Quarters. Expect combat."
"Understood, madam." The XO then relays connection to both ships. "This Commander Haxaji of the Nemesis. Attention on deck! All hands man your battle stations! I repeat, All hands man your battle stations!"
The Nemesis began to blare out a siren of alarm as all four ships began to head course towards I'naxis.
"Madam Admiral! The Sildoran Fleet have jumped out of Subspace. 161 ships of all variants." The Sensor officer reported.
Paying no mind to the arrival of the Sildorans, the four ships remain on course towards I'naxis. With their superior thrusters, the ships arrived at the orbit I'naxis. Waiting for the Sildorans to arrive, Cassandra waited patiently and formulating a strategy to counter the Sildorans. It didn't take long, as the Sildorans are now within sight.
"Madam Admiral, we're being hailed."
"On screen on all ships."
The screen of all ships began to display, and it shows them a half man half goat. A Sildoran naval officer.
"This is Admiral Ukor'niver of the Sildoran Navy. You are violating Sildoran sovereignty by illegally blockading the sector. I demand you to vacate the sector or else!"
The goatman's voice sounds coarse and harsh, as is the dialect and language of Sildor.
"By what basis of our presence here being illegal, when your Galactic Council is in shambles because of the selfish actions of both the Sildorans and the Resufitors?" Cassandra questions the Sildoran. "You favored war over peace, brought half of the galaxy in a new chaos, disorganisation, and destruction through your war. Our presence here is within the parameters of the rules of conduct of the Custodian rule. It is your and the Resufitors actions that goes against Custodian wish for peace."
"We do not recognize the authority of the Galactic Custodes. The only authority we recognize is our own." The Sildorans refutes.
"And thus we do not recognize the authority and the sovereignty of the Galactic Sildor Coalition and the Resufitors Allied Suns as we damn both stellar nations of their uncivilized actions of unwarranted conflict." Cassandra refutes back. "This sector is under lock down under the Custodian tenet to maintain and enforce peace. Effectively, this sector is now under jurisdiction and authority of all Custodian members. Your presence here is unwelcome. I suggest you leave the sector effective immediately."
"This is an insult! An insult towards the Coalition! You will pay for this tenfold!"
The connection severs, delivering the news to all, combat is imminent.
"Madam, the Sildorans are forming a reverse cresent formation."
"Form diamond formation with the Nemesis as it's lead, have the Resolute and the Kaon on our flanks while the Chimera position itself on our rear. We will remain in our position, let them come to us." Cassandra commanded. "Deploy all available fighters, and prepare the Tachyon-Perdition beam. The beam is to fire at my command."
Cassandra's strike force began to form a diamond formation. As she ordered, the Nemesis was to lead with the rest cover it's flanks and rear. The strike crafts of the Nemesis began to pour out like a swarm hornets, Avengers and Firehawks form up their respective squadrons as they're about to face the enemy. As the Sildorans approaches, Cassandra's strike force remained still.
"Madam, hostile strike crafts are coming in hot! I count 80 squadrons, at least 1900 strike crafts."
"They are in range of the Nemesis and Chimera, madam. We can engage the enemy."
"Have all fighters engage the incoming hostile strike crafts. We may be outnumbered, but we aren't outclassed." She ordered. "Power the Tachyon-Perdition Beam! Target center of the formation, full power!"
"Targeting center formation! Powering Tachyon-Perdition Beam at full power!"
As the bow weapon of the Nemesis began to powering up, the squadrons of fighters maneuver their way towards the massive swarm of hostile fighters. Aboard his Avenger fighter, Cpt. Johnathan "Fawkes" Rykes leads his squadron facing the incoming Sildorans strike crafts. His squadron, call signed "Dagwood" spearheaded the engagement.
"Dagwood 1 engaging bandits. Fox 3!"
His fighter shot out its homing missile. Not just his, many of his comrades followed suit. He broke away from his current flight path, as his missile destroyed a Sildoran fighter. Many Sildoran fighters was neutralized by the initial missile attack, though they quickly recover and the engagement turned into a full dogfight.
The Sildorans are numerous, yes. But in all aspects, they are severely outmatched by the quality of the star fighters and the training of the star pilots of the Imperium. However, due to the immense force the Sildorans have, the engagement between starfighters are in a deadlock for the next few minutes.
As the strike crafts of both fleets fight it out, the Sildoran fleet advances on Cassandra's strike force, trying to get within firing range so that they're able to fire accurately. The Sildorans failed to realize, that they're closing in to their doom.
"Tachyon-Perdition Beam is at full power!"
"Fire!"
The Nemesis fired a massive indigo beam right at the center of the Sildoran fleet. It cuts through the many gathering ships like butter, as dozens of warships exploded as easily as a fireworks would. And as Cassandra had intended, the flagship of this Sildoran fleet also perished, leaving this fleet leaderless, easy for her measly strike force to tear them apart.
"Have all ships engage the Sildoran fleet. Order the Kaon and the Resolute to break formation and engage the flanks of the Sildoran fleet, and the Chimera to remain where they are and give support." She ordered. "We shall give no quarter. Have all Sildoran ships or starfighters destroyed. We shall give them a firm yet simple message. A simple 'fuck around and find out'."
As ordered, both Kaon and the Resolute broke formation and aggressively engaging the Sildorans. At the same time, The Nemesis makes her move and advances towards the center, in the attempt to completely separate the fleet from regrouping with the Chimera occasionally supporting the fleet.
The Nemesis opened fire at both flanks from the center. The firepower caused by the Nemesis was catastrophic for the Sildoran flanks. Each salvo delivered by the Nemesis, many of the Sildoran ships suffered heavy damages. And the flanks suffered from heavyweight artillery strikes from the Chimera, which snipes the Sildoran ships with precision outclass others as is an artillery ship should do.
As the Nemesis kept on engaging with the support of the Chimera, both the Kaon and the Resolute kept on advancing towards the flanks despite already being fired upon by the Sildorans. This is intentional, as is the doctrine of Brawler battleships. At certain distance considered by others to be too close for comfort, is where the Brawlers excels.
"Activate the secondary power core, redirect all power from the secondary to the weapons." The captain gave his command. "Fire everything we got, send them back to the abyss!"
Both Brawlers opened fire at the Sildorans, with extreme firepower and fire rate that to the rest of the galaxy considers to be unthinkable and impossible feat to replicate. While other ships have rate of one shot every 8 seconds, the Brawlers have a rate of 1200 shots per minute at the expense of slightly shorter range than others. The Brawlers can also tank enemy fire, and they can tank hits better than others. Some say it's easier to destroy a Titan than it is to destroy a Heavy Brawler. Both Brawlers advances in a slow but steady course as they open fire at any Sildoran ships that was in their way. It was evident for the Sildoran fleet, it was a huge mistake engaging the Imperium fleet. The sheer firepower coming from the Heavy Brawlers, the Artillery Ship, and the Super Dreadnought Titan was too much for the Sildorans to handle. Not failing to mention, that the starfighter battle was greatly in favor of the Imperium.
Aboard one of the Sildoran battleships, a Sildoran captain was anxious of the situation unfolding before him. It's a one sided battle, it can't even be called as a battle, it's more as a massacre. He knew the situation, if they insisted on attacking the Imperium ships, they will suffer destruction.
"Hail the rest of the fleet, we are to retreat immediately! This is a battle we cannot win!" The captain ordered his men. "Plot course to Hazojiva, we are retreating!"
Following his command, his ship turn hard to port until his ship is facing towards the exit of the system. However, as the ship began to glow in Tachyon lights, the ship began to rumble and shake ever so violently.
"Sir! We can't jump to Hyperspace! Something is preventing us from jumping!"
As the captain hears his ensign's report, he knew all too well what caused them to be stuck. A piece of technology reserved only for the Custodians, a Graviton-Tachyon Lock. A device that locks the entire system of SubSpace and Hyperspace. It denies entry or just simply passing by through Hyperspace and SubSpace, and it pulls out ships that's already in Hyperspace and SubSpace and traps them in the system. And the only thing to stop this device, is to destroy it. And he knew exactly where the Imperiums would install such device, aboard the Nemesis. They are now within the mercy of the Imperium, and he could confidently say that they are out of mercy. As soon as he thought of that, his ship was under heavy fire. And in just moments, he died alongside his ship, as a true captain would.
The battle ended in just 2 hours. And the entire Sildoran fleet was crushed, left only the carcasses of starships. Aboard the Nemesis, Cassandra looked upon the graveyard of ships she has just caused with little emotion, flat and surprisingly, disappointment.
I was hoping to have it a little while longer, but then again this is the Sildorans. At least the Nemesis can have some warm-up for her weapons. She thought to herself.
"Plot course to Sevazia. We're done for the day."
••••••
South Garden Palace
Today is the day where the Empire of Sadera, the Empire of Japan, and the Imperium would begin "peace talks". Today will be a turning point for everyone involved. She had done all she can, and she hopes that today's "events" will bring peace. Her household have been busy arranging the banquet, though they were helped by the main household of the Empire to set up the banquet.
As she requested, officials from the Imperium Foreign Relations arrived planetside ahead of the event. While now they are simply to put up a facade for her schemes, they will be use effectively once the continent is hers and by extension under the Imperium to maintain relationships with the people from beyond Alnus. The man who's leading the contingent of diplomats is Mr. Exe'l'Jar. He is a Cana't'Ior, from the planet of Cana't'Iorak, A'lai'nat Sector. A Cana't'Ior is an aquatic race. Pacifist, naturally a biologist, and open-minded. They are regarded as the perfect race to be either as scientists or diplomats. And now, Exe'l'Jar is the center of attention, as many have never seen such an alien as he is.
"Everything is according to plan so far."
Piña looked behind, as she saw Owens coming right to her side and accompanying her on the balcony.
"Indeed. But we shall see for the future." Piña said. "We shall see whether our Voglian ally contributes her part. If she is truly an ally, my father would succumb to paralysis as I have ordered her so."
"If she doesn't, I take it we'll go plan B?"
"Yes. As much as I hate plan B, we must enact it if our Voglian comrade betrays us." Piña said.
Plan B was simple. And that is to storm the city with full force, and enact full scale invasion of the continent prematurely. And to accomplish that, she allowed all means necessary for the Militarum to succeed, and that means enforcing brute force at the populace.
"Today is a good day. We've come this far."
Sugawara came approaching the two. With a smile on his face, and holding a cup of wine.
"It's seems you're addicted to our wine, Kōji." Piña commented, whilst grinning with glad.
"I have to admit, wine from Falmart is exquisite." Sugawara said. "Its taste is just so, unique comparing to the wines I've tasted."
"Ah yes, Kōji the wine connoisseur. You can count on Kōji in regards to wine." Pinã remarked.
"I thought you're the child connoisseur? Considering you have one right up your finger." Owen teased.
"Oh come on! Can you two just cut it with the pedophile thing?! It's not like I want to seduce the Tyueri's daughter, I was simply making a good gesture!" Kōji said as his face flushed red out of embarrassment.
"Yeah yeah. 'Good gesture'. Sure, whatever you say Kōji." Piña said. "That being said, your 'good gesture' seemed to be translated in a different kind of way."
She then pointed towards a direction, near the decorative pine trees of the garden, hides the young lady in love, with gaze full of serious intent and adoration. Sugawara reflectively flinched as the three of them saw the young lady. And there, she wears a beautiful pearl necklace.
"So, gifting her a pearl necklace is what you call a 'good gesture'? Seems to me, you're trying to court her." Owen said.
"Yeah, starting to regret my decision to do so." Sugawara said with stress, as he gulps down whatever wine in his cup.
Aftee gulping down what's left in his cup, Sugawara's emotions began to shift. As is the tension with the three of them.
"So, we're actually doing this. There's no turning back now." Sugawara said in English.
"Indeed. Once it is done, Sadera will snowball itself into chaos. As I have planned it to be." Piña said with contempt. "Has the government of Japan informed of what's to happen now?"
"They have. While they aren't exactly keen with the prospect of having their civilians in potential danger, they'll go with it as long as the Imperium is responsible for everything." Sugawara said. "I have to say, power grabs like these are too ruthless for my liking."
"Despite it all, it will ensure that order is to be enforced. It will bring the conflict to an end." Owen said. "Sometimes we have to pay a price to ensure order and peace. They will see us as invaders at first, but once they have tasted what it's like to be a citizen of the Imperium, they will all fall to the fold."
Piña concur with Owens's statement. She had seen firsthand, she had experienced it herself. What beautiful life is to be a citizen of the Imperium. She will make sure that her people prosper as other citizens would.
Moments later, the three broke off to their own doing. As the banquet ended, Piña have to make ready for the ceremony. Once she donned her armor, she regrouped with het father and brother. As she waited, it was a rather silent waiting. Then, the massive doors of the throne room opens, gracing her with warm golden rays of light. She proceeds on with the ceremony, and as expected, her brother broke off and do his own thing with his now-released friends. She acted as the usual naïve princess, in order not to cause suspicion.
As she took her position, her father sat upon the throne.
"Two team of has come from the nations of Japan and The Imperium, who have returned our brothers to us have arrived before us." The herald announced.
"Let us greet them." The Emperor simply said.
As cued, both ambassadors from the Imperium and Japan arrived together. Shirayuri Reiko with Sugawara, while Exe'l'Jar arrived alone before the Emperor.
"A pleasure to meet you, Your Imperial Majesty." Reiko greeted.
"An honor to be within your presence, Your Majesty." Exe'l'Jar greeted.
"Thank you for coming all this way. People of Japan, People of the Imperium. I welcome you as Emperor."
"We are grateful."
Both ambassadors began to talk with the Emperor, as everyone were going on chattering with others.
Then, the massive doors are opened, and before them is the skull of the Fire Dragon. Marcus was leading the men who was carrying the skull. Everyone was at awe, and many are glad that the beast is finally disposed of.
"So, this is the skull of the Fire Dragon?" The Emperor wonders.
"It is indeed, Your Majesty." Marcus said. "We haven't figured out who placed this in front of the Palace gates."
"Forgive me for my intrusion, Your Majesty."
Exe'l'Jar intruded, all eyes and ears are on to him.
"Yes, Mr. Exe'l'Jar was it? Is there anything you know about this?"
"Indeed. The Fire Dragon was vanquished at the hands of several people." Exe'l'Jar said. "High Elf Tuka of Hodolew forest, Dark Elf Yao of Schwartz Forest with her group of warriors, Lelei La Lalena Mage of Rondel former resident of Coda Village, Itami Youji of the JSDF, the Emloy Apostle Rory Mercury, and the leading figure of the Fire Dragon's demise. Captain Damian Parker along with his men of the 1056th Shock Battalion, 501st Assault Legion."
Then, Exe'l'Jar activated his hologram device. It shows them the separate battles of which the Fire Dragon and her offsprings was killed. It shocked everyone that the Fire Dragon had offspring, and glad that they're all dead at the hands of these fine people.
"I see. It is great news that an Imperial citizen was actively participating in vanquishing the dreaded Fire Dragon." The Emperor said. "Piña, I want you to find this Lelei and invite her to the capital, I wish to bestow upon her rewards for such great feat."
"As you commanded, Your Majesty." Piña bowed.
As the dragon was taken away, everyone in their hands have a cupful of wine. Ready for the toast of peace. It will be the last her father would take as an emperor, as he would take another as a commoner then.
"For peace! For the Empire!"
"For the Empire!"
Everyone drank their wine, savoring its wonderful taste. Everyone, but the ambassadors and Piña. Their eyes fixated at the Emperor, anxiously expecting.
Then the Emperor coughed.
The Emperor cough wildly, he felt his nasal constricting, his heart rushed as if he ran a marathon. Then he felt his body gave way, he felt numbness all across his body.
The Emperor fell unconscious.
The crowd cried out in worry and fear, their emperor have just fallen. Piña rushed to the Emperor's side, calling out her father. But inside, she was glad. Her father would not die, but him being paralyzed would serve her objective. She looked out frantically everywhere, as if she was freaking out. But in the distance, right before the doors of the throne room, she saw the Voglian Queen standing. She nods slowly, and disappeared into the shadows.
Now, there's no turning back. She thought to herself.
She had done it. The fall of the Saderan Empire, begins this very moment.